Inorganic composition, process of preparation and method of use

ABSTRACT

A coagulant which is the reaction product of a trivalent metal salt, excluding chromium salts, an acid phosphorous compound and an aluminum hydroxy chloride, and a process for preparing such coagulant. This coagulant may be effectively used to remove suspended solids and various impurities in most water treatment applications.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority on United States ProvisionalPatent Application Serial Nos. 60/104,203 and 60/082,448 which werefiled on Oct. 14, 1998 and Apr. 20, 1998, respectively.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates generally to coagulants for watertreatment applications. In general, coagulants are utilized to removesuspended solid particles from aqueous systems.

[0003] Coagulants typically fall into the general category of inorganic(trivalent, divalent metal salts) or organic (water solublepolyelectrolytes). Examples of widely used inorganic coagulants arealuminum sulfate Al₂ (SO₄)₃, aluminum chloride AlCl₃, aluminumchlorohydrate Al₂ (OH)₅Cl, ferric chloride FeCl₃, ferric sulfate Fe₂(SO₄)₃, and calcium chloride. Examples of commonly used water soluble orsolution polyelectrolytes are p-DMDAAC (polydimethyl diallyl ammoniumchloride) and Epi-DMA polyamine.

[0004] Many inorganic coagulants are compatible with solution cationicpolyelectrolytes and can be combined to form stable combinations. Inrecent years, many different blend formulations of an inorganiccoagulant with a high charge solution cationic polyelectrolyte have beenpatented and of an inorganic coagulant with a high charge solutioncationic polyelectrolyte have been patented and marketed. An example ofan inorganic coagulant/polymer blend might be: 5 parts of a standard 28°Baumé AlCl₃ solution mixed-with 1 part of Epi-DMA polyamine. Moreexamples, limits, and ranges are explained in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,746,457,4,800,039, and 5,035,808 to Calgon Corporation, and further in U.S. Pat.Nos. 2,862,880, 3,285,849, 3,472,767, 3,489,681, 3,617,569, 4,137,165,4,450,092, 4,582,627, 4,610,801, and 4,655,934, the disclosures of whichare incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Normally, thesecompositions are physical blends of an inorganic trivalent metal saltsolution and a water soluble polymer solution, which is a simple mixtureof the components where both components retain their original identityor chemical composition, but provide utility and advantages-such as:

[0005] 1. a synergy of adding the inorganic and polymeric coagulantssimultaneously as a blend; and

[0006] 2. ease of use—using one product instead of two (therebyeliminating feed systems, equipment, and handling).

[0007] Wastewater treatment systems typically require the use oftrivalent metal salts, a polymer or a combination of both in thecoagulation process. Both ferric coagulants such as FeCl₃ blends andaluminum coagulants such as alum or Al₂(OH)₅Cl blends are often used forthese processes. Both the ferric and aluminum coagulants providedifferent desirable properties. However, these coagulants are normallyincompatible with each other.

[0008] It was thus desired in the art to develop a single coagulantwhich would combine the desirable properties of ferric and aluminumcoagulants.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The present invention comprises a composition that is thereaction product of a trivalent metal salt, excluding chromium salts, anacid phosphorous compound and an aluminum hydroxy chloride, and aprocess for preparing the same.

[0010] The method of use according to the present invention comprisesadding this reaction product in an effective amount to the solution tobe treated. The composition of the present invention is an excellent andunique coagulant for most water treatment applications.

[0011] As used herein, the phrase “effective amount” refers to thatamount of the claimed reaction product which is helpful to at leastpartially treat (coagulate) the impurities in the wastewater or systembeing treated.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] The above composition will become more apparent when reference ismade to the following detailed description, taken in conjunction withthe appended figures, in which:

[0013]FIG. 1 is an Al-27 NMR spectrum of monoaluminum phosphate;

[0014]FIG. 2 is an Al-27 NMR spectrum of aluminum chlorohydrate; and

[0015]FIG. 3 is an Al-27 NMR spectrum of the reaction mixture ofiron(III) chloride, monoaluminum phosphate and aluminum chlorohydrate.

[0016] These figures are discussed in detail below.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] The present invention was discovered when the inventors wereattempting to obtain the desirable properties of FeCl₃ blends andAl(OH)₅Cl blends by mixing these two inorganics and then combining theresultant mixture with a cationic polyelectolyte and other ingredients.However, they discovered that mixtures of trivalent metal salts such asFeCl₃ and aluminum hydroxy chlorides such as Al₂(OH)₅Cl are incompatibleand all attempts to combine such mixtures ended in a gelled/solidifiedreaction product which was not usable.

[0018] It was unexpectedly discovered that FeCl₃ solution and Al₂(OH)₅Clsolution can be stabilized and combined through the use of a thirdingredient, monoaluminum phosphate. The inventors have discovered amethod of combining these previously incompatible coagulants andcreating a stable, complex ion coordination compound that exhibitsincreased efficacy as a coagulant for industrial and municipal watertreatment.

[0019] A composition, and process for preparing the same, has beendiscovered by the inventors comprising the reaction product of atrivalent metal salt other than chrominum salts, an aluminum hydroxychloride, and an acid phosphorous compound which acts as a stabilizingcompound.

[0020] The preferred process of preparing the present invention is theaddition of the acid phosphorous compound (stabilizer) to the trivalentmetal salt, soon followed by the addition of the aluminum hydroxychloride. A small exotherm results from the addition of the acidphosphorous compound (stabilizer) to the trivalent metal salt. A largerand more vigorous exotherm results from the subsequent addition of thealuminum hydroxy chloride. Based upon this exotherm, as well as colorchanges and partial precipitation (and re-dissolution), it is believedthat the components are reacting and a new compound is formed. Althoughthe order of addition of these compounds to form the new compound may bealtered, the above order of addition is preferred. If the trivalentmetal salt and the aluminum hydroxy chloride are combined without theacid phosphorous compound, a slurry will be formed which will generallysolidify in less than an hour. In order to create a stable finalproduct, if this order of addition is utilized, the acid phosphorouscompound should be added to this mixture prior to solidification, orpreferably within 40 minutes. However, reconstitution aftersolidification is possible by the addition of the acid phosphorouscompound. The least preferred order of addition is when the acidphosphorous compound is alone first mixed with the aluminum hydroxychloride, because a solid mass will be formed almost instantaneously.However, this solid mass can be reconstituted by the addition of FeCl₃.For these reasons, the above noted order of addition is preferred.

[0021] This new resultant compound is stable and appears to be differentin composition from the compounds used in the preparation process. Theconclusion that a new compound is formed is supported by FIGS. 1-3 whichillustrate Al-27 NMR spectra for a compound formed from the reaction ofthe volume formula 10 FeCl₃ (about 40% active raw material in water), 3monoaluminum phosphate (Al(H₂PO₄)₃.XH₂O) (about 50 wt % in water), and 5Al(OH)₅Cl (about 50 wt % in water). Commerciably available FeCl₃solution is 38 to 42% active raw material in water. Commerciallyavailable monoaluminum phosphate and Al(OH)₅Cl are both 50 wt % inwater, plus or minus 1 to 2%.

[0022] The combination of a peak's shape and position yield structuralinformation in NMR spectroscopy. The position is based upon a relativemarker to a selected standard material and is measured in ppm shifts infrequency. The standard reference material used in these spectra wasaluminum oxide (Al₂O₃) at 0 ppm. The shape of the peak (singlet,doublet, etc.) is dependent upon the nuclei's interaction withneighboring atoms. The combination of peak position and shape is afunction of the nuclei's environment, and thus, its structure.

[0023]FIG. 1 is an Al-27 NMR spectrum of monoaluminum phosphate. Thisspectrum shows a single band centered at ca. −77.7 ppm relative to thestandard. The width of the peak is indicative of the structure insolution.

[0024]FIG. 2 is an Al-27 NMR spectrum of aluminum chlorohydrate(Al₂(OH)₅Cl). This spectrum shows a very broad set of peaks centered atca. −57.8 and −68.6 ppm with the former peak being the much strongerband. This spectrum shows two peaks which are overlapped. There are alsotwo significantly smaller peaks on either side of these two major bandswhich are probably minor impurities. This material is known to bepolymeric in nature. In general, the higher the molecular weight of amaterial the more broad the peaks become.

[0025]FIG. 3 is an Al-27 NMR spectrum of the reaction mixture of thepresent invention. This spectrum shows the product of the claimedreaction mixture of iron(III) chloride, monoaluminum phosphate andaluminum chlorohydrate according to the current reaction, using theconcentrations and parts per volume of these three compounds in thepreferred embodiment. In FIG. 3, the aluminum NMR peak is a very muchsharper singlet and is shifted to a position at ca. −26.2 ppm relativeto the standard. These changes indicate that a reaction has taken place,that the two component raw materials (iron(III) chloride and aluminumchlorohydrate) are most likely limiting reagents in this reaction, andthat the structure of the final product is simpler than the aluminumchlorohydrate precursor. The aluminum exists in a single type ofchemical environment, hence the rationale for the proposed structure ofa new compound.

[0026] The molecular formula of this preferred embodiment, which is thesubject of FIG. 3 is:

Iron(III) salt of[Al_(n)(OH)_(a)(H₂PO₄)_(b)(Cl)_(c)(H₂O)_(d)]^(3n−a−b−c)

[0027] where a+b+c>3n

[0028] This new composition is the product of a Lewis/Acid Base typereaction in which a stable, complex ion coordination compound is formedas follows:

[0029] A+B→“intermediate” (4° C. temperature rise observed)“intermediate”+C→new compound (20° C. temperature rise observed) where:(% Active Basis) A = Iron Chloride 17.5%-20% B = Phosphoric Acid,Aluminum Salt (3:1)   8%-10% C = Aluminum Chloride, Basic 11.0%-13%

[0030] A typical structure of this new compound of the preferredembodiment is represented below where the H₂O, Cl, OH and H₂PO₄ ligandscan vary in number, as well as in their position on the metal ion in thecoordination complex. The nature of the bond between each ligand and thecentral metal atom is coordinate covalent.

[0031] The preferred embodiment of the present invention composition, byvolume, is:

[0032] 10 FeCl₃ (aqueous solution about 40% active raw material inwater)

[0033] 3 Monoaluminum phosphate (Al(H₂PO₄)₃.XH₂O) (about 50 wt % inwater)

[0034] 5 Al₂(OH)₅Cl (about 50 wt % in water)

[0035] 1 CaCl₂ (30% solution)

[0036] 2 Ca-250 (Epi-DMA polyamine) (50 wt % in water)

[0037] Multiple experiments involving the modification of the volume ofthe above ingredients in the preferred embodiment have been performed.It has been determined that although the above noted volumes provide thepreferred combination, these ratios may be altered while stillmaintaining a stable reaction product and the desired coagulationproperties to varying degrees. It has been determined that (using theconcentrations set forth above) the volume of the FeCl₃ component may bevaried from 3 to 30 parts, the monoaluminum phosphate may be varied from0.5 to 10 parts, and the Al₂(OH)₅Cl may be increased to as high as 20parts. However, the upper limit of the Al₂(OH)₅Cl volume appears to be20 because precipitation begins to occur at this level. Although thequality of the resultant compounds varied proportionally with thedeviation from the preferred embodiment, the resultant compoundsprovided stable reaction produces. Further tests have performed varyingthe combinations of different trivalent metal salts, acid phosphorouscompounds and aluminum hydroxy chlorides, as well as the volumes of eachsuch component. The Example below demonstrates the results or selectedtests on volume and component variations.

[0038] The volumetric ratios set forth above for components of thepreferred embodiment are also applicable to the various claimedcombinations of the other trivalent metal salts, acid phosphorouscompounds and aluminum hydroxy chlorides. It is known by one skilled inthe art that these various compounds can be obtained in varyingconcentrations. In order to obtain the most preferred ratio ofcomponents of various substitute components of varying concentration,one must obtain the same ratio of molar amounts of ferric, phosphate orphosphite and aluminum as that of the preferred embodiment above. Forexample, phosphoric acid is commercially available in about 85 wt % inwater as compared to about 50 wt % of monoaluminum phosphate. Thus acomponent of different concentration can be used if the correct molarratio is obtained.

[0039] It appears that the calcium chloride and CA-250 components arepresent only as a physical blend with the compound which is the resultof the reaction. The resulting blend of the reaction product and theCaCl₂ and CA-250 (Epi-DMA polyamine) is a “sweep-floc” which functionsas a coagulant and a flocculent and, as noted above, could be useful inmany water treatment processes. Other standard additives can also bemixed with the reaction product.

[0040] In place of the CA-250 (Epi-DMA polyamine), p-DMDAAC may beutilized under certain circumstances in the physical blend with thesubject reaction product. The p-DMDAAC may be utilized when thetrivalent metal salt FeCl₃ (in the preferred embodiment) is diluted by10 to 40% with water prior to the addition of the acid phosphorouscompound and the aluminum hydroxy chloride. In order to utilize p-DMDAACwith the already prepared reaction product of the preferred embodiment,the entire reaction product must be diluted by 10 to 40% with waterprior to the addition of p-DMDAAC. If phosphoric acid is substituted forthe monoaluminum phosphate of the preferred embodiment, dilution ofeither FeCl₃ or the entire reaction product should be by 10 to 80% withwater, otherwise precipitation will occur.

[0041] Tests have also been performed involving the variance of theamounts of CaCl₂ and the amount of the CA-250 (Epi-DMA polyamine). Thevolumes of these compounds have been varied both together and on anindependent basis. The variance of these two components appears to havea negligible effect on the formulation.

[0042] As noted above, although the preferred embodiment utilizes FeCl₃as the trivalent metal salt, monoaluminum phosphate as the acidphosphorous compound, and Al₂(OH)₅Cl as the aluminum hydroxy chloride,substitutions may be made for each of these compounds while stillresulting in a stable, effective reaction product.

[0043] The preferred trivalent metal salts are those of Group 8. Themore preferred trivalent metal salts are metal halides. However, themost preferred trivalent metal salts are ferric, such as FeCl₃,Fe₂(SO₄)₃, FeBr₃ and Fe(NO₃)₃. Additionally, blends of the foregoing maybe utilized. Ferric halide is more preferred, while ferric chloride ismost preferred. The preferred anions of the salt are chloride andhalide. Sulfate is a less preferred anion of the salt. Nitrate may alsobe employed as an anion for the salt.

[0044] The preferred acid phosphorous compounds of the present inventionare selected from the group consisting of acid phosphites (includingphosphorous acid), acid phosphates (including phosphoric acid), andphosphonic acid. Acid phosphorous compounds having the following formulamay be utilized:

M_(n)H_(x)PO_(q)

[0045] Where:

[0046] M=cation such as a metal or ammonium

[0047] n=0 to 2

[0048] x=1 to 3

[0049] q=3 or 4

[0050] For example, the following acid phosphorous compounds may beutilized: monoaluminum phosphate (Al(H₂PO₄)₃.XH₂O), phosphoric acid(H₃PO₄), phosphorous acid (H₃PO₃), sodium phosphate monobasic (NaH₂PO₄),sodium phosphate dibasic (Na₂HPO₄), HEDP ((CH₃C(OH) (PO₃H₂)), vinylphosphonic acid (H₂C═CHP(O) (OH)₂), dimethyl phosphite ((CH₃O₂)P₂(O)H),(NH₄)₂HPO₄, NH₄H₂PO₄, potassium phosphate monobasic (KH₂PO₄), andK₂HPO₄. The more preferred acid phosphorous compounds are those whichare non-organic due to their lower cost.

[0051] The aluminum hydroxy chloride compounds which may be used in theformulation of the composition of the present invention are those of thegeneral formula Al₂(OH)_(y)Cl_(z), where y=0.1 to 5 and z=1 to 5.9 Themore preferred are those where y=1 to 5 and z=1 to 5. The most preferredare those where y=1.8 to 5 and z=1 to 4.2.

[0052] In preparing the claimed reaction product, AlCl₃ can be utilizedas the trivalent metal salt and combined with Al₂(OH)₅Cl and astabilizer (acid phosphorous compound). An exotherm will occur and areaction product will be formed. AlCl₃ can also be utilized as asubstitute for the aluminum hydroxy chloride component and combined withFeCl₃ and a stabilizer. However, in this circumstance, a reactionproduct is not formed and a blend is achieved. Nevertheless, this blendexhibits good coagulation properties.

[0053] Experiments have also been performed where the CaCl₂ compound hasbeen substituted with MgCl₂ and BaCl₂ without resulting seriousdetriment to the performance of the resultant mixture with the reactionproduct. The CA-250 (Epi-DMA polyamine) may also be substituted withother Epi-DMA polyamines. CA-250 is preferred because of its relativelow to medium molecular weight. CA-250 is a commercial polyamine productsold by Calgon Corporation.

[0054] This resultant new compound has been demonstrated to be anexcellent and unique coagulant for most water treatment applicationsincluding E-coat waste treatment, water-borne paint waste coagulation,oily waste and solvent-borne paint detackification. It is also exhibitsutility in general wastewater treatment, municipal wastewater treatment,metals removal from water, paper making waste water, water containingchemical compounds, water containing organic compounds, water containingbiological compounds, poultry processing waste, ink containingsolutions, raw water clarification (such as municipal drinking water andindustrial purification), oil/water separation, water containingsuspended solids, color removal (colored solutions), waste clay slurry,coal waste, mineral processing water, oily waste, water containingsuspended solids, water containing paint solids and others. Theresultant new compound has also been demonstrated to remove metals fromwater, including heavy metals such as lead and nickel. E-coat waste isthe wastewater generated from electrolytic primer coating.

[0055] The method of using the new compound for coagulation in thesevarious systems consists of adding the new compound to the system in aneffective amount.

[0056] This new compound also may be utilized for enhanced coagulation.Enhanced coagulation is the reduction of total organic contaminants(TOC). The reduction of organic contaminants in drinking water isdesirable to minimize formation of chlorinated hydrocarbons formedduring the chlorination process.

[0057] The most preferred method for producing the claimed reactionproduct entails the following steps:

[0058] 1. At ambient temperature, add 3 parts by volume monoaluminumphosphate solution (about 50 wt % in water) to 10 parts by volume FeCl₃aqueous solution (about 40% active raw material in water). During theaddition of the monoaluminum phosphate solution to the FeCl₃ solution,some reaction will take place. There may be some partial precipitationsand color changes—and striations in the solutions. However, when thereaction is complete, everything is in solution and it appears stable.

[0059] 2. Next, the 5 parts by volume aluminum chlorohydrate solution(about 50 wt % in water) is added to the mixture of FeCl₃ andmonoaluminum phosphate (and further reaction takes place). The resultantsolution goes through a violent exotherm. The solution becomes hot, andthe solution becomes homogeneous. When the solution cools down, itremains compatible and homogeneous.

[0060] 3. Preferably, 1 part by volume CaCl₂ (30% solution) and 2 partsper volume of a polymer, such as CA-250 (Epi-DMA polyamine 50 wt %) arethen added. The CaCl₂ is added for hardness and the polymer to enhancecoagulation and to begin flocculation (to help form the pin floc). Thereappears to be no further reaction when the CaCl₂ and the polymer areadded.

[0061] As noted above, it will be apparent to one skilled in the artthat this process may be duplicated utilizing the other trivalent metalsalts, acid phosphorous compounds, and aluminum hydroxy chlorides hereinclaimed, if the same noted molar ratios are utilized.

EXAMPLE

[0062] The following example is included to further describe anddemonstrate the invention in greater detail. This example is notintended to limit the scope of the invention in any way. This example,and the tables included therein, demonstrate the performance of theclaimed invention, including the preferred embodiment and other claimedreaction products formed from various Group 8 trivalent metal salts,acid phosphorous compounds and aluminum hydroxy chloride components, onthe treatment of E-coat waste. Also included are entries illustratingthe effectiveness of treating E-coat waste with only a trivalent metalsalt and only an aluminum hydroxy compound.

[0063] The following test procedure was used to compile the resultscontained in the following tables.

[0064] Dilution of Product:

[0065] 1. 2.5 gms of the selected coagulant and/or reaction product wasweighed and placed into a B-cup.

[0066] 2. 7.5 gms of deionized water was placed into the same B-cup andmixed until uniform.

[0067] Test Procedure:

[0068] 1. 495 mls of deionized water was added to a glass jar (aGraduated cylinder was used).

[0069] 2. The glass jar was placed on a gang stirrer and mixed at 100rpm.

[0070] 3. 5 mls of neat E-coat waste was added to the water.

[0071] 4. 0.6 mls of the selected coagulant and/or reaction productsolution (300 ppm) was added to the glass jar.

[0072] 5. The solution was mixed at 100 rpm for 15 seconds.

[0073] 6. The pH was lowered to 2.9 using stock H₂SO₄ (10 gm H₂SO₄+190gm DiH₂O).

[0074] 7. The number of drops of stock H₂SO₄ used to lower the pH wasrecorded.

[0075] 8. The solution was mixed at 100 rpm for 15 seconds.

[0076] 9. The pH was increased to 8.5 using a soda ash solution (20 gmsoda ash +80 gm DiH₂O).

[0077] 10. The number of drops of soda ash solution used to increase thepH was recorded.

[0078] 11. The solution was mixed at 100 rpm for 15 seconds.

[0079] 12. 2 mls of flocculent—Pol EZ 8736 or Pol EZ 7736 [0.5% product]which are commercially available high molecular weight polymers sold byCalgon Corporation—was placed in a syringe and added by the followingmethod:

[0080] a) the tip of the syringe was placed below the surface of thesolution at approximately the top of the vortex;

[0081] b) the flocculent was added and timed for exactly 10 seconds;

[0082] c) after the ten second period ended, the agitation was turneddown to 50-60 rpm;

[0083] d) the floc was allowed to develop for 30 seconds; and

[0084] e) the agitation was then turned off.

[0085] 13. The floc was then allowed to settle for 10 minutes.

[0086] 14. The floc size and the appearance of the solution was thenrecorded (visual inspection only).

[0087] 15. 20 mls of the solution was removed with a syringe for aturbidity reading.

[0088] 16. The turbidity reading in NTU (nephelometric turbidity units)was recorded.

[0089] 17. The agitation was then turned on and the motion speed wasslowly increased to ≦50 rpm.

[0090] 18. The solution was mixed for 30 seconds and the percentage ofdetackification was recorded.

[0091] 19. The motor speed was then increased to 100 rpm and thesolution was mixed for 30 seconds.

[0092] 20. The percentage of detackification was then recorded (ifdetackification of 100% was recorded at 50 rpm, no reading was necessaryat 100 rpm and therefore was not taken).

[0093] Unless otherwise noted, this procedure was utilized to obtain theresults set forth in the tables below. Flocculation refers to thesettling of suspended solid particles in the solution. Turbidity as usedherein is defined as the cloudiness of the solution casued by suspendedparticles.

Table 1

[0094] This table illustrates the performance of the preferredembodiment, 10 FeCl₃, 3 (Al(H₂PO₄)₃.XH₂O) and 5 Al₂(OH)₅Cl, 1 CaCl₂ and2 Ca-250, in the concentrations set forth above, as 3930-93. In3982-84A, the (Al(H₂PO₄)₃.XH₂O) was substituted with HEDP in the samemolar ratio. In 3982-86A and 3982-87, the (Al(H₂PO₄)₃.XH₂O) has beenlikewise substituted with vinyl phosphonic acid and dimethyl phosphite,respectively. TABLE 1 3930-93 3982-86A Preferred 3982-84A VinylPhosphonic 3982-87 Description embodiment HEDP acid Dimethyl PhosphiteProduct Dilution 7.5 gms/ 7.5 gms/ 7.5 gms/ 7.5 gms/ (Deionizedwater/product) 2.5 gms 2.5 gms 2.5 gms 2.5 gms Appearance medium ambermed-dk amber yellow very pale blue Use Concentration 0.60 mls/ 0.60 mls/0.60 mls/ 0.06 mls/ (mls/ppm) 300 ppm 300 ppm 300 ppm 300 ppm E-coatComposition 495 mls/ 495 mls/ 495 mls/ 495 mls/ 5 mls 5 mls 5 mls 5 mlspH to 2.9 30 drops 29 drops 34 drops 31 drops pH to 8.5 45 drops 50drops 52 drops 40 drops Floc size/appearance large/hazy med fluffy/large/lt. haze med-lg/sl haze sl haze Turbidity 93.3 54.2 39.6 72.4Detackification good fair fair-good bad  50 rpm: 100% 50& 65% 0% 100rpm: 100% 100% 60%

Table 2

[0095] This table likewise illustrates how the performance of thepreferred embodiment is effected by changes in the type and amount ofthe acid phosphorous compound utilized. The composition of the preferredembodiment remained constant for each trial, except: in 3982-79A, alower volume of (Al(H₂PO₄)₃.XH₂O) (“MAP”) was utilized; in 3982-79B, alower volume of H₃PO₄ was substituted for the MAP; in 3982-79C, H₃PO₄was substituted for the MAP in the same volume; and in 3982-80G, NaH₂PO₄was substituted for the MAP in the same volume. TABLE 2 3930-93Preferred 3982-79A 3982-79B 3982-79C 3982-80A 3982-80G DescriptionEmbodiment Low MAP Low H₃PO₄ Std H₃PO₄ Std H₃PO₃ Std NAH₂PO₄ ProductDilution  7.5 gms/2.5 gms  7.5 gms/2.5 gms  7.5 gms/2.5 gms  7.5 gms/2.5gms  7.5 gms/2.5 gms  7.5 gms/2.5 gms Deionized water/product Appearancegood/med amber good/dk amber good/dk amber good/yellow good/dk ambergood/dk amber Use Concentation 0.60 mls/300 ppm 0.60 mls/300 ppm 0.60mls/300 ppm 0.60 mls/300 ppm 0.60 mls/300 ppm 0.60 mls/300 ppm (mls/ppm)E-coat Composition  495 mls/5 mls  495 mls/5 mls  495 mls/5 mls  495mls/5 mls  495 mls/5 mls  495 mls/5 mls Deionized water/ e-coat waste pHto 2.9   27 drops   25 drops   24 drops   25 drops   23 drops   24 dropspH to 8.5   60 drops   60 drops   60 drops   60 drops   60 drops   60drops Floc very lg/sl haze lg. tight/very sl. very lg./hazy lg.loose/sl. med. loose/almost lg. loose/sl. haze size/appearance haz hazeclear Turbidity 90/88 67 72 68 31 44.7 Detackification Good Good GoodGood Good Good  50 rpm:  90% 100% 100% 100%  90% 100% 100 rpm: 100% 100%

Table 3

[0096] Tables 3 and 4 illustrate the effect of altering the useconcentration of the preferred embodiment. The numbers included underthe heading “Description” refer to the volumes 10 FeCl₃, 3(Al(H₂PO₄)₃.XH₂O), 5 Al₂(OH₅)Cl, 1 Cacl₂ and 2 Ca-250, of the componentconcentrations of each set forth above. TABLE 3 #1 #2 #3 #4 #5 PreferredPreferred Preferred Preferred Preferred #6 Embodiment EmbodimentEmbodiment Embodiment Embodiment Preferred Embodiment Description 10 +3 + 5 + 1 + 2 10 + 3 + 5 + 1 + 2 10 + 3 + 5 + 1 + 2 10 + 3 + 5 + 1 + 210 + 3 + 5 + 1 + 2 10 + 3 + 5 + 1 + 2 Product  7.5 gms/2.5 gms  7.5gms/2.5 gms  7.5 gms/2.5 gms  7.5 gms/2.5 gms  7.5 gms/2.5 gms  7.5gms/2.5 gms Dilution Deionized water/ product Appearance amber amberamber amber amber amber Use  0.0 mls/0 ppm 0.04 mls/20 ppm 0.10 mls/50ppm 0.20 mls/100 ppm 1.00 mls/500 ppm 2.00 mls/1000 ppm Concentation(mls/ppm) E-coat  495 mls/5 mls  495 mls/5 mls  495 mls/5 mls  495 mls/5mls  495 mls/5 mls  495 mls/5 mls Composition Deionized water/ e-coatwaste pH to 2.9 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a pH to 8.5 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/an/a Floc tacky tacky tacky tacky hard floc/clear spongy flocsize/appearance Turbidity 58.5 49.9 48.2 34.1 14.8 32.9 DetackificationBad Bad Bad Bad Good Good 100 rpm: 0% 0% 0% 0% 100% 100%

[0097] TABLE 4 #1 #2 #3 #4 #5 #6 Preferred Preferred Preferred PreferredPreferred Preferred Embodiment Embodiment Embodiment EmbodimentEmbodiment Embodiment Description 10 + 3 + 5 + 1 + 2 10 + 3 + 5 + 1 + 210 + 3 + 5 + 1 + 2 10 + 3 + 5 + 1 + 2 10 + 3 + 5 + 1 + 2 10 + 3 + 5 +1 + 2 Product Dilution  7.5 gms/2.5 gms  7.5 gms/2.5 gms  7.5 gms/2.5gms  7.5 gms/2.5 gms  7.5 gms/2.5 gms  7.5 gms/2.5 gms Deionizedwater/product Appearance amber amber amber amber amber amber UseConcentation 0.40 mls/200 ppm 0.60 mls/300 ppm 0.80 mls/400 ppm 1.00mls/500 ppm 1.20 mls/600 ppm 1.40 mls/700 ppm (mls/ppm) E-coatComposition  495 mls/5 mls  495 mls/5 mls  495 mls/5 mls  495 mls/5 mls 495 mls/5 mls  495 mls/5 mls Deionized water/ e-coat waste pH to 2.9n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a pH to 8.5 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a Floc sl tackysl tacky sl tacky fluffy fluffy fluffy size/appearance Turbidity 80.662.1 63.9 41.6 39.0 39.9 Detackification Fair Good Good Good Good Good50 rpm: >50% 95% 100% 100% 100% 100%

Table 5

[0098] Table 5 provides a comparative example of the testing of thepreferred embodiment 3920-93, compared to the performance of theindividual components thereof. Nos. 1 through 5 are demonstrative of theuse of the individual component alone noted after the heading“Description”. TABLE 5 3930-93 #3 Preferred #1 #2 50% Al₂OH₅Cl #4 #5Description Embodiment 40% FeCl₃ sol. 50% MAP sol. sol. 30% CaCl₂ sol.50% CA-250 sol. Product Dilution  7.5 gms/2.5 gms  7.5 gms/2.5 gms  7.5gms/2.5 gms  7.5 gms/2.5 gms  7.5 gms/2.5 gms  7.5 gms/2.5 gms Deionizedwater/product Appearance med amber yellow water water water waterwhite/clear white/clear white/clear white/clear Use Concentation 0.60mls/300 ppm 0.60 mls/300 ppm 0.60 mls/300 ppm 0.60 mls/300 ppm 0.60mls/300 ppm 0.60 mls/300 ppm (mls/ppm) E-coat  495 mls/5 mls  495 mls/5mls  495 mls/5 mls  495 mls/5 mls  495 mls/5 mls  495 mls/5 mlsComposition Deionized water/ e-coat waste pH to 2.9   41 drops   38drops   44 drops   46 drops   50 drops   50 drops pH to 8.5   64 drops  64 drops   66 drops   68 drops   69 drops   70 drops Flocsize/appearance lg-vig/slight extra lg/very lg/hazy fine/very hazy veryfine/turbid jelly/turbid haze hazy Turbidity 76 146 138 181 275 296Detackification Good Bad Very Bad 0% Fair None None  50 rpm: 100%  0%20% 20% 0% 0% 100 rpm: 100% 40% 75% 0% 0%

Table 6

[0099] Table 6 demonstrates the effect of varying the volume compositionof components of the preferred embodiment and the effect of the completeomission of the Al₂OH₅Cl component. The ratios noted in this tableutilize the concentrations of each component set forth above. TABLE 6 #6#2 #3 #4 #5 Fe₃ + MAP + #1 FeCl₃ + MAP + Fe₃ + MAP + Fe₃ + MAP + Fe₃ +MAP + Al₂OH₅Cl + Description FeCl₃ + MAP Al₂OH₅Cl Al₂OH₅Cl Al₂OH₅ClAl₂OH₅Cl + CaCl₂ CaCl₂ + CA250 Ratio (mls) 10 + 3 10 + 3 + 5 15 + 3 + 510 + 3 + 10 10 + 3 + 5 + 1 10 + 3 + 5 + 1 + 2 Product Dilution  7.5gms/2.5 gms  7.5 gms/2.5 gms  7.5 gms/2.5 gms  7.5 gms/2.5 gms  7.5gms/2.5 gms  7.5 gms/2.5 gms Deionized water/product Appearance yellowamber amber very dark amber amber amber Use Concentation 0.60 mls/300ppm 0.60 mls/300 ppm 0.60 mls/300 ppm 0.60 mls/300 ppm 0.60 mls/300 ppm0.60 mls/300 ppm (mls/ppm) E-coat  495 mls/5 mls  495 mls/5 mls  495mls/5 mls  495 mls/5 mls  495 mls/5 mls  495 mls/5 mls CompositionDeionized water/ e-coat waste pH to 2.9   34 drops   38 drops   36 drops  40 drops   37 drops   37 drops pH to 8.5   60 drops   61 drops   63drops   64 drops   61 drops   62 drops Floc lg. fluffy/hazy lg. sl.fluffy/ lg. fluffy/hazy lg. fluffy/hazy large/hazy large/hazysize/appearance very hazy Turbidity 144 95 103 139 99.3 80Detackification Very bad Good Fair Bad Good Good  50 rpm:  0% 75% 50%20% 100% 100% 100 rpm: 20% 95% 75% 50%

Table 7

[0100] Table 7 sets forth the results of tests performed utilizingvarious aluminum hydroxy chlorides as substitutes for Al₂OH₅Cl in thepreferred embodiment. These aluminum hydroxy chlorides are: Aluminumhydroxy % % % chloride FORMULA BASICITY SOLIDS Al₂O₃ A Al₂(OH)₅Cl 83 50  23.5 Preferred embodiment B Al₂(OH)₃Cl₂(SO₄)_(0.5) 50 30 10 CAl₂(OH)_(1.3)Cl_(4.2) 30 33  8 D Al₂(OH)₃Cl₂(SO₄)_(0.5) 70 50 15 EAl₂(OH)₃Cl₃ 50 33 10 F Ferrous Chloride — 28 — (FeCl₂) G Al₂(OH)₂Cl₄ 3040 — H Al₂(OH)₃Cl₃ 55 40 — I Al₂(OH)₃SO₄SiO₃ −35  −35  —

[0101] TABLE 7 Preferred Description Embodiment C D E H G B I F Product 7.5 gms/  7.5 gms/  7.5 gms/  7.5 gms/  7.5 gms/  7.5 gms/  7.5 gms/ 7.5 gms/  7.5 gms/ Dilution  2.5 gms  2.5 gms  2.5 gms  2.5 gms  2.5gms  2.5 gms  2.5 gms  2.5 gms  2.5 gms Deionized water/ productAppearance lt amber lt amber lt. amber yellow yellow yellow yellowyellow yellow Use 0.60 mls/ 0.60 mls/ 0.60 mls/ 0.60 mls/ 0.60 mls/ 0.60mls/ 0.60 mls/ 0.60 mls/ 0.60 mls/ Concentation  300 ppm  300 ppm  300ppm  300 ppm  300 ppm  300 ppm  300 ppm  300 ppm  300 ppm (mls/ppm)E-coat  495 mls/  495 mls/  495 mls/  495 mls/  495 mls/  495 mls/  495mls/  495 mls/  495 mls/ Composition   5 mls   5 mls   5 mls   5 mls   5mls   5 mls   5 mls   5 mls   5 mls Deionized water/ e-coat waste pH to2.9   46 drops   37 drops   41 drops   38 drops   39 drops   39 drops  38 drops   38 drops   35 drops pH to 8.5  105 drops  105 drops  131drops  120 drops  106 drops   92 drops  100 drops  106 drops  106 dropsFloc lg. lg. lg. lg. lg. lg. lg. lg. lg. size/appear- fluffy/ fluffy/fluffy/ fluffy/ fluffy/ fluffy/ fluffy/ fluffy/ fluffy/ ance clear slhaze sl haze sl haze sl haze sl haze sl haze sl haze sl haze Turbidity18.5 35.7 29.0 34.9 52.4 35.3 33.4 36.6 53.9 Detackifica- good good goodgood fair-good fair-good fair-good good fair-good tion  50 rpm: 90%-95%100%  90% 85%-90% 80-85% 80-85% 80-85%  85% 80-85% 100 rpm: 100% 100%100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%

Table 8

[0102] Table 8 illustrates the performance of the preferred embodimentcompared to the performance when substitutions of various components aremade in the same volume and concentration. The second column shows theeffect of the substitution of FeBr₃ for FeCl₃. 4023-8A, 4023-8C and4023-8E show the results of the substitution of the noted phosphorouscompound for MAP. 4023-13A and 4023-13A show the results of thesubstitution of the noted component for CaCl₂. TABLE 8 PreferredDescription Embodiment FeBr₃ NH₄HPO₄ KH₂PO₄ Na₂HPO₄ MgCl₂ BaCl₂ ProductDilution   7.5 gms/   7.5 gms/   7.5 gms/   7.5 gms/   7.5 gms/   7.5gms/   7.5 gms/ Deionized water/   2.5 gms   2.5 gms   2.5 gms   2.5 gms  2.5 gms   2.5 gms   2.5 gms product Appearance med lt very lt reddishdk dk med lt med lt amber amber amber reddish reddish amber UseConcentation 0.60 mls/ 0.60 mls/ 0.60 mls/ 0.60 mls/ 0.60 mls/ 0.60 mls/0.60 mls/ (mls/ppm)  300 ppm  300 ppm  300 ppm  300 ppm  300 ppm  300ppm  300 ppm E-coat Composition  495 mls/  495 mls/  495 mls/  495 mls/ 495 mls/  495 mls/  495 mls/ Deionized water/   5 mls   5 mls   5 mls  5 mls   5 mls   5 mls   5 mls e-coat waste pH to 2.9   38 drops   31drops   42 drops   40 drops   49 drops   40 drops   48 drops pH to 8.5  94 drops   25 drops   94 drops  103 drops  105 drops   92 drops  107drops Floc lg. lg. lg. lg. lg. med med fluffy/ size/appearance fluffy/fluffy/ fluffy/ fluffy/ fluffy/ fluffy/ hazy clear sl cloudy sl hazehazy hazy clear Turbidity 30 70 23.8 29.3 34.6 28.8 40.1 Detackificationgood good good fair fair good fair-good  50 rpm: 100 rpm:  80% 85%  90% 50%  75%  90%  80% 100% 99% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%

What is claimed is:
 1. A composition comprising the reaction product of a trivalent metal salt other than chromium salts, an acid phosphorous compound, and an aluminum hydroxy chloride.
 2. The composition of claim 1 wherein the trivalent metal salt is a Group 8 trivalent metal salt.
 3. The composition of claim 2 wherein the trivalent metal salt is a ferric metal salt.
 4. The composition of claim 3 wherein the trivalent metal salt is a ferric halide.
 5. The composition of claim 3 wherein the trivalent metal salt is selected from the group consisting of FeCl₃, Fe(SO₄)₃, FeBr₃ and Fe(NO₃)₃, and mixtures thereof.
 6. The composition of claim 2 wherein the trivalent metal salt is a blend of one or more Group 8 trivalent metal salts.
 7. The composition of claim 2 wherein the acid phosphorous compound is selected from the group consisting of acid phosphites, acid phosphates and phosphonic acid.
 8. The composition of claim 7 wherein the acid phosphite is phosphorous acid and the acid phosphate is phosphoric acid.
 9. The composition of claim 7 wherein the acid phosphorous compound is selected from the group of (Al(H₂PO₄)₃.XH₂O), H₃PO₄, H₃PO₃, NaH₂PO₄, Na₂HPO₄, CH₃C(OH) (PO₃H₂) H₂C═CHP(O) (OH)₂, (CH₃O₂)P₂(O)H, (NH₄)₂HPO₄, NH₄H₂PO₄, K₂HPO₄ and KH₂PO₄.
 10. The composition of claim 7 wherein the acid phosphorous compound is of the formula M_(n)H_(x)PO_(q), where M=a cation such as a metal or ammonium, n=0 to 2, x=1 to 3, and q=3 or
 4. 11. The composition of claim 2 wherein the aluminum hydroxy chloride is of the chemical formula Al₂(OH)_(y)Cl_(z) where y=0.1 to 5 and z=1 to 5.9.
 12. The composition of claim 11 wherein y=1.8 to 5 and z=1 to 4.2.
 13. The composition of claim 2 wherein the trivalent metal salt is selected from the group of FeCl₃, Fe(SO₄)₃, FeBr₃ and Fe(NO₃)₃, the acid phosphorous compound is selected from the group (Al(H₂PO₄)₃.XH₂O), H₃PO₄, H₃PO₃, NaH₂PO₄, Na₂HPO₄, (NH)₂HPO₄, NH₄H₂PO₄, K₂HPO₄ and KH₂PO₄, and the aluminum hydroxy chloride is of the chemical formula Al₂(OH)_(y)Cl_(z) where y=1.8 to 5 and z=1 to 4.2.
 14. The composition of claim 13 wherein the trivalent metal salt is FeCl₃, the acid phosphorous compound is (Al(H₂PO₄)₃.XH₂O), and the aluminum hydroxy chloride is Al₂(OH)₅Cl.
 15. The composition of claim 14 wherein the volume of FeCl₃ (about 40% active raw material in water) is 3 to 30 parts, the volume of (Al(H₂PO₄)₃.XH₂O) (about 50 wt % in water) is 0.5 to 10 parts, and the volume of Al₂(OH)₅Cl (about 50 wt % in water) is 5 to 20 parts.
 16. The composition of claim 15 wherein the volume of FeCl₃ is 10 parts, the volume of (Al(H₂PO₄)₃.XH₂O) is 3 parts, and the volume of Al₂(OH)₅Cl is 5 parts.
 17. The composition of claim 2 wherein AlCl₃ is utilized as the trivalent metal salt.
 18. A composition having an aluminum-27 NMR peak at ca. −26.2 ppm relative to aluminum oxide at 0 ppm.
 19. The composition of claim 18 wherein the composition is reaction product of iron(III) chloride, monoaluminum phosphate and aluminum chlorohydrate.
 20. A blend comprising the product of AlCl₃, FeCl₃ and an acid phosphorous compound.
 21. The blend of claim 20 wherein the acid phosphorous compound is (Al(H₂PO₄)₃.XH₂O).
 22. The composition of claim 2 further comprising the addition of CaCl₂ and EPI-DMA polyamine.
 23. The composition of claim 2 further comprising the addition of p-DMDAAC.
 24. A composition comprising the reaction product of a trivalent metal salt other than chromium salts, an acid phosphorous compound, and an aluminum hydroxy chloride, where: a. the trivalent metal salt is one or more of the group of FeCl₃, Fe(SO₄)₃, FeBr₃ and Fe(NO)₃; b. the acid phosphorous compound is selected from the group consisting of (Al(H₂PO₄)₃.XH₂O), H₃PO₄, H₃PO₃, NaH₂PO₄ Na₂HPO₄, CH₃C(OH) (PO₃H₂), H₂C═CHP(O) (OH)₂, (CH₃O₂)P₂(O)H, (NH₄)₂HPO₄, NH₄H₂PO₄, K₂HPO₄ and KH₂PO₄; and c. the aluminum hydroxy chloride is one of the formula Al₂(OH)_(y)Cl_(z) where y=1.8 to 5 and z=1 to 4.2.
 25. The composition of claim 24 wherein the trivalent metal salt is FeCl₃, the acid phosphorous compound is (Al(H₂PO₄)₃.XH₂O), and the aluminum hydroxy chloride is Al₂(OH)₅Cl.
 26. The composition of claim 23 wherein the trivalent metal salt is FeCl₃ (about 40% active raw material in water) in a volume of 10 parts, the acid phosphorous compound is (Al(H₂PO₄)₃.XH₂O) (about 50 wt % in water) in a volume of 3 parts, the aluminum hydroxy chloride is Al₂(OH)₅Cl (about 50 wt % in water) in a volume of 5 parts, and: (a) the FeCl₃ is diluted by 10 to 40% prior to the preparation of the composition and the subsequent addition of p-DMDAAC; or (b) the composition is diluted by 10 to 40% prior to the addition of the p-DMDAAC.
 27. The composition of claim 23 wherein the trivalent metal salt is FeCl₃ (about 40% active raw material in water) in a volume of 10 parts, the acid phosphorous compound is phosphoric acid (about 85 wt % in water) in a volume of 3 parts, the aluminum hydroxy chloride is Al₂(OH)₅Cl (about 50 wt % in water) in a volume of 5 parts, and: (a) the FeCl₃ is diluted by 10 to 80% prior to the preparation of the composition and the subsequent addition of the p-DMDAAC; or (b) the composition is diluted by 10 to 80% prior to the addition of the p-DMDAAC.
 28. A process for the production of a reaction product comprising blending an aqueous solution of a Group 8 trivalent metal salt, an acid phosphorous compound and an aluminum hydroxy chloride.
 29. The process of claim 28 wherein the trivalent metal salt is first blended with the acid phosphorous compound, and the aluminum hydroxy chloride is subsequently added thereto.
 30. The process of claim 28 wherein the trivalent metal salt is first blended with the aluminum hydroxy chloride, and the acid phosphorous compound is subsequently added thereto.
 31. The process of claim 28 wherein the trivalent metal salt is selected from the group consisting of FeCl₃, Fe(SO₄)₃, FeBr₃, and Fe(NO₃) and mixtures thereof.
 32. The process of claim 28 wherein the acid phosphorous compound is selected from the group consisting of (Al(H₂PO₄)₃.XH₂O), H₃PO₄, H₃PO₃, NaH₂PO₄, Na₂HPO₄, CH₃C(OH) (PO₃H₂), H₂C═CHP(O) (OH)₂, (CH₃O₂)P₂(O)H, (NH₄)₂HPO₄, NH₄HPO₄, NH₄H₂PO₄, K₂HPO₄ and KH₂PO₄.
 33. The process of claim 28 wherein the aluminum hydroxy chloride is one of the formula Al₂(OH)_(y)Cl_(z) where y=0.1 to 5 and z=1 to 5.9.
 34. The process of claim 33 wherein y=1.8 to 5 and z=1 to 4.2.
 35. The process of claim 28 further comprising the addition of CaCl₂ and Epi-DMA polyamine.
 36. The process of claim 28 further comprising the addition of p-DMDAAC.
 37. The process of claim 36 wherein the trivalent metal salt is FeCl₃ (about 40% active raw material in water) in a volume of 10 parts, and the acid phosphorous compound is (Al(H₂PO₄)₃.XH₂O) (about 50 wt % in water) in a volume of 3 parts, the aluminum hydroxy chloride is Al₂(OH)₅Cl (about 50 wt % in water) in a volume of 5 parts, and: (a) the FeCl₃ is diluted by 10 to 40% prior to the preparation of the composition and the subsequent addition of p-DMDAAC; or (b) the composition is diluted by 10 to 40% prior to the addition of the p-DMDAAC.
 38. The process of claim 36 wherein the trivalent metal salt is FeCl₃ (about 40% active raw material in water) in a volume of 10 parts, and the acid phosphorous compound is phosphoric acid (about 85 wt % in water) in a volume of 3 parts, the aluminum hydroxy chloride is Al₂(OH)₅Cl (about 50 wt % in water) in a volume of 5 parts, and: (a) the FeCl₃ is diluted by 10 to 80% prior to the preparation of the composition and the subsequent addition of the p-DMDAAC; or (b) the composition is diluted by 10 to 80% prior to the addition of the p-DMDAAC.
 39. A composition of matter comprising the product produced according to the process of claim
 28. 40. A process for treating a solution comprising contacting the solution with an effective amount of the composition of claim
 2. 41. A process for treating a solution comprising contacting the solution with an effective amount of the product produced according to the process of claim
 28. 42. The process of claim 40 wherein the solution is selected from the group consisting of general wastewater, municipal wastewater, wastewater containing metals, papermaking wastewater, water containing organic compounds, water containing chemical compounds, water containing biological compounds, poultry processing waste, ink containing solutions, raw surface water, oil/water mixtures, colored solutions, coal waste, mineral processing water, oily waste, raw municipal drinking water, water containing suspended solids, water containing paint solids, electrolytic primer coating wastewater and industrial wastewater.
 43. The process of claim 41 wherein the solution is selected from the group consisting of general wastewater, municipal wastewater, wastewater containing metals, papermaking wastewater, water containing organic compounds, water containing chemical compounds, water containing biological compounds, poultry processing waste, ink containing solutions, raw surface water, oil/water mixtures, colored solutions, coal waste, mineral processing water, oily waste, raw municipal drinking water, water containing suspended solids, water containing paint solids, electrolytic primer coating wastewater and industrial wastewater.
 44. The process of claim 40 wherein the product is utilized in enhanced coagulation to reduce at least a portion of the total organic contaminants.
 45. The process of claim 41 wherein the product is utilized in enhanced coagulation to reduce at least a portion of the total organic contaminants. 